Theatre & Dance

If ever a show had the wow factor it's this summer's Hippodrome Circus. It's got pace, plenty of surprises and it never flags for a moment.

Peter Jay and his late father Jack bought the Hippodrome in 1979. Sixties pop star Peter joined his father running their theatres and venues, with posters and programmes announcing 'Jack and Peter Jay present'.

Jonny Marx tries to make another escape

Now, almost 30 years later, the bills are boasting a Jay father and son duo again as Peter's 19 year-old son Jack has just come on board as joint producer.

Jack's been involved with the Hippodrome for as long as he can remember, starting off when he was small spinning plates in the ring before the show began. Now he’s Britain’s youngest circus producer and his influence shows.

Houdini tribute

Father and son have teamed up with some great ideas and acts, not least the Excape theme which builds towards a recreation of the legendary Harry Houdini's famous routine.

For this 2007 version it's magician Jonny Marx who ends the show with the nail-biting escape from a straight-jacket while hanging by his feet above the water-filled ring. Scary stuff which has you on the edge of your seat.

So too do the fearless Grenadero Brothers with their spectacular Wheel Of Death, who perform the routine with a new twist.

They later return with something quite new for the Hippodrome: a ball and fire swinging act set to a stunning lighting sequence and punctuated by traditional drumming.

Also taking to the air is Robert Foxall, who hangs from straps and then later silks.

Keeping the Wheel Of Death turning

On the ground, the Kenya Chiefs with their athletic and enthusiastic acrobatic tumbling and limbo dancing add even more pace to this fast-moving show.

Jonny Marx also keeps his feet on the ground in the first-half with some large-scale magic illusions which defy belief.

Family affair

This year's production is quite a family affair with Jonny's father and brother - ringmaster Clive Webb and clown Danny Adams - returning for the fourth summer season to link the show together.

Danny is a genuinely funny performer who has the audience on his side from the minute he steps into the ring.

Their mix of old and new material – together with a big surprise at the end of the show – is a winning formula and they never once outstay their welcome.

Danny has deservedly built a big following as the Hippodrome's resident summer clown and it's no surprise that people come back time and time again to see him.

Water spectacle

As always the 104-year-old Hippodrome building brings its own special magic in the form of the sinking ring which is always a delightful moment.

Danny Adams is back for more clowning around

The Estelle Clifton Dancers are, as always, a vital element of the show. When the ring is filled with 70,000 gallons of water, they return with their synchronized swimming routines choreographed by Jan Baines, just right in length and appeal.

The blend of music and lighting is always spot on and this year the lighting rig and use of the big screens is better than ever and used to great effect.

If this show was playing in the West End or in any European city it would get full houses and standing ovations every performance.

It's what it deserves and we simply don't realise what a national treasure we have right here in our county.

If you want two hours of non-stop thrills and spills, then Great Yarmouth's Hippodrome Circus is definitely the place to go.

The Hippodrome Circus show runs until 9 September, 2007 with two shows at 2.30pm and 7.30pm - no matinees on Fridays. Call the box office on 01493 844 172.